Paul Rigby Volvo has committed to offsetting all of its operating emissions by joining the Castrol Carbon Neutral Programme.

The Birmingham-based business will be the first Volvo dealership in Europe to achieve 100% carbon offset.

Dealer principal Paul Rigby said: “The team at Paul Rigby Volvo are all eager to play our part in contributing to a sustainable environment for future generations.”

A certified carbon neutral business must monitor its carbon footprint on an annual basis and prove it is reducing it over time.

As part of its long-term plan to reduce emissions, Paul Rigby Volvo is looking at number of energy efficiency opportunities, including generating renewable energy through solar panels.

Unavoidable emissions can be offset with support from BP Target Neutral, which invests in a portfolio of carbon reduction projects around the world.

The dealership will also calculate and offset the carbon footprint of every car it sells, for the first 10,000 miles, plus its staff, demonstrator and courtesy vehicles.

It is estimated that around 900 tonnes of CO2 will need to be offset by the scheme over a 12-month period. To do this, the dealership will purchase carbon credits, with funds going to BP Target Neutral.